Mogadishu Mayor Warns Against Fear of Joining Anti-Al-Shabaab War

Mogadishu(Mogadishu24)-The Mayor of Mogadishu, Yusuf Hussein Jimale (Madaale), has called on the residents to actively participate in the fight against Al-Shabaab while sending a stern warning to those who fear the extremist group.

The mayor emphasized that the resurgence of Al-Shabaab in Mogadishu would disrupt peace and livelihoods in the city. As a result, he urged all residents, regardless of age, gender, occupation, or background, to be prepared to confront the threat.

“If the enemy returns to Mogadishu, peace will be disrupted, and as a result, we should all be prepared to confront them—whether young or old, men or women, clerics, scholars—everyone is required to join the fight,” Mogadishu Mayor, Madaale said.

He issued a stern warning that the government will deal with those who fear Al-Shabaab militants and refuse to join the fight against the extremist group.

“You will see many people in cells, including elders and businessmen who fear Al-Shabaab. If they don’t fear us as the government but fear Al-Shabaab, we will show them that they should also fear us. No one will be allowed to assist them as they rot in jail,” he added.

The city mayor also stated that it doesn’t make any sense for the President to be at the frontlines of the war while others are at home. He stated that together with other governors and mayors, they would join the frontline forces to lead the operations.

This comes at a time when some government ministers and Members of Parliament are in the recently liberated areas alongside the forces.

The President and some regional leaders are also at the forefront of the war against Al-Shabaab, mobilizing and inspiring the Army and the local forces involved in the operations against the terrorist group.

The Federal government of Somalia is gearing up for the second phase of the war against Al-Shabaab forces and aims to reclaim the remaining areas under the control of Al-Shabaab.